436
Young People’s Transition to Work in Developing Contexts (2)
Young People’s Transition to Work in Developing Contexts (2)
Abstract Submissions Closed
Friday, 26 February 2021: 10:45-12:15
Location:
RC34 Sociology of Youth (host committee)
Language: English
Session Type: Oral
In the field of youth transitions there is convergence on the idea that youth transitions to work are increasingly protracted (Henderson, Holland & McGrellis, 2007; Furlong et al, 2018). Heinz (2009) has theorised an extended transition to employment by considering how the ‘pathways’ to employment have become less direct and increasingly difficult. Much of this theorisation relies on developed country context experiences. In contrast, transitions to work for young people living in developing country contexts have a longer history of being protracted and even blocked (Honwana, 2014). Various structural factors shape these experiences, not least of all high rates of inequality; the role of the informal economy; and persistently high levels of unemployment and precarious employment. The structural conditions of inequality contrast with young people’s own explanations of the causes of their challenges (Newman & De Lannoy, 2014; Graham & Geerars, 2017), where the individualisation of risk (Beck & Beck-Gernsheim, 2002), which foregrounds individual responsibility as an explanatory factor, are evident.
This session therefore invites empirical and theoretical papers in the area of youth transitions focussed on the developing world that includes the school to work transition; young people’s experience of their work transition; policy perspectives on youth training and preparedness for work; migration for work (incoming and outgoing); skills mismatches; connections between education policy and youth training; new challenges in the work environment for young people; and new theorising around youth pathways.
Session Organizers: